Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents in British Columbia

The BC coroners office has reported that car accidents in BC have been declining but that pedestrian fatalities have not changed. Between 50 and 60 pedestrians are killed each year.

Pedestrian fatalities represent 15.6% of vehicle-related fatalities – CBC Vancouver interviewed Kelly Barnard, Executive Medical Director at BC Coroners Service reports, “Over the last decade the total number of motor vehicle incident fatalities have dropped, not only in BC but across Canada. But sadly the number of fatalities in involving pedestrians has remained fairly constant. In BC on average we see 50 to 60 fatalities a year,” reported Barnard.

Paul Warnett, a personal injury lawyer at Warnett Hallen, tells us, “After a pedestrian is killed or injured on our streets it is tempting to play the blame game. The pedestrian is always going to lose in an accident involving a motor vehicle. Both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to protect pedestrians from suffering serious injuries or death.”

Pedestrians at Large Public Events

Public events happen that attract large numbers of people who are moving through city streets on foot.

In Vancouver we have Rogers Arena, BC Place and numerous other venues that attract large numbers of people in one place. Although, Vancouver police are great at closing streets and directing traffic, these events can be very hazardous to the safety of pedestrians. Events like Vancouver Canucks hockey games, the Vancouver Lions football games, marathons and various music concerts fill our city streets with people who are not always thinking about public safety. The sidewalks are full, people jay walk, dart out between cars and fight to get a taxicab. Drivers have to be extra cautious when navigating the roads during busy event times.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety:

Illuminate yourself: if wearing dark clothing try to light up yourself, bag or umbrella. There are various ways to achieve this – by wearing reflective vests, or tape, put a flashlight or blinking light on your case or backpack, wear glow bracelets or carry a light-up umbrella if it is raining.

Stop, look and listen: take the time to stop at intersections or crosswalks.

Always cross the street at a marked crosswalk.

Never assume a driver will see you, make sure vehicles are stopped before stepping onto the street.

Focus! Put your books and all electronic devices away until you arrive safely at home. Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving.

Crosswalk Safety:

Stop at the curb or edge of the street;

Wait for the walk signal;

Look both ways before leaving the curb (left, right, left, behind and in front);

Look both ways continuously while crossing the street;

Make eye contact with all drivers;

Don’t run, walk across the street; and

Never walk behind a vehicle.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

A pedestrian accident can have a detrimental impact on your overall quality and enjoyment of life, ability to earn and ability to work in the future. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the personal injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP are here to help obtain the compensation you deserve.